"We would like to congratulate Strategic Airlines on entering the US market with direct services from Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia to Honolulu, Hawaii, and welcome new and returning Australian visitors," Mr McCartney said.

"Australia is an important market for Hawaii's visitor industry and the number of visitors has increased 25.5% for the first six months of this year, over the same period in 2010.

"The HTA projects the new flight will provide up to $62 million in visitor expenditures and $6.7 million in tax revenue annually.

"The Brisbane to Honolulu flight will provide a significant opportunity for Hawaii to grow its presence in Australia and is positive news for our visitor industry."

Launched in 2009 and headquartered in Brisbane, Strategic Airlines is Australia's newest domestic and international carrier.

The carrier will change its name to Air Australia later this year in time for the start-up of its new Hawaii flights.